Ricky Collard to continue with West Surrey Racing

Ricky Collard will continue to race with West Surrey Racing when the BTCC heads for Silverstone this weekend for the penultimate rounds of the season.

The 22-year-old has competed in the last two meetings of the campaign in place of father Rob as he recovers from a concussion sustained in an accident at Snetterton back in July, with the original plan having been for Collard Sr to return to action for the final two meetings of the year.

However, with his father still continuing his recovery, BMW Motorsport junior Collard will now continue at the wheel of the second Team BMW-entered 125i M Sport as he seeks to build on the points he scored last time out at Knockhill.

“While naturally I’m disappointed for my dad that he’s not ready to come back to racing just yet, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to race again for Team BMW at Silverstone,” he said. “From my debut at Rockingham through to Knockhill I learnt a huge amount about driving the 125i M Sport and the race craft needed to be competitive in the BTCC, and it’s great to be able to try to move my own performance on a step by having another chance.

“My role is to score as many points as I can for the teams’ Championship and to support Colin in his bid for the drivers’ title and I’ll do this as best as I possibly can.”